Laying on the outskirts of Saona Island, El Faro is a pristine and exceptional dive site, with peaks and overhangs spanning across the ocean floor at a depth of 14m.

Being inside el Parque de Nacional, means being protected and most days, I am lucky enough to see large American stingrays, varieties of Turtle species and if we’re really fortunate some Sharks. Sharks are rare in the Dominican on the Caribbean side but given new laws and protection enforcement happening, there are a few.

Nurse Shark at El faro – Photo Credit: Lucia Senli Bosque

The closer to Saona we dive the greater chance of spotting these beautiful animals and more often than not El Faro always follows through.

As you swim along, make sure to peek your head under those ledges and in between those long cracks running back into the reef, that’s where we usually find our Shark friends hiding.

A worthwhile site to visit and enjoy, not only the beauty below the water but also above, the coastline on the boat ride out is what makes the Dominican my paradise.

The Author: Courtney Cicoria is an MSDT currently living in the Dominican Republic.